Separating apparatus



Nov. 27, 1945. A, A CLARK ETAL 2,389,611

SEPARATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 18, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 AVIRYA.CLRRJKWU j HARRY W. HQQPER Nov. 27, 1945. A. A. CLARK EIAL I SEPARATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 18, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 AvsmrACLaax HARRY w. HoepER wa/fg Nov. 27, 1945. A, CLARK m I 2,389,611

SERARATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 18, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 AVERY RCLARK HARRY W. HOOPER Nov. 27-, 19450 SEPARATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 18, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 awue/wtom AVERYA. CLn m HHRRYHH A. A. CLARK mu. 2,389,611

Nov. 27, 1945. A A RK ETAL' 2,389,611

SEPARATING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 18, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 V I 7% f 3/1 T l? M} HI 3:6 I

AVERY H. CLARK HRRRY W. HOO ER A. A. CLARK El AL SEPARATING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Sept. 18, 1945 New CLmm v HnRRv W. HOopER Nov. 27, 1-945.

Patented Nov. 27, 1945 SEPARATING APPARATUS Avery A. Clark, Denver, 0010., and Harry W. Hooper, Scottsbluff, Nebr., assignors to The Great Western Sugar Company, Denver, 0010., a corporation of New Jersey Application September 18, 1943, Serial No. 502,986

14 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in methods and apparatus for effecting separation of lighter and heavier solids suspended in a liquid and is especially applicable to the separation of solid foreign material, such as stones and sand, from the water by means of which beets are commonly conveyed to a sugar mill, in which application the invention will bedescribed.

It has long been customary in the manufac ture of sugar from beets to convey the beets from astorage pile, trucks, or railroad cars to the washing and cutting machines of the sugar mill by means of a hydraulic flume, the beets being floated along the fiume in water. Since the harvesting of the beets is ordinarily effected by mechanical equipment, stones, rocks, and a considerable amount of sand are picked up with the beets and find their way into the flume, and it has been the practice to provide means for removing this foreign material from the beets during the fluming operation before the beets are delivered to the washing and cutting equipment in order to prevent damage to the latter.

It is an important object of the present invention to provide a method and means for effecting this removal of foreign material with greater efficiency than has heretofore been possible. It is a feature of the invention that the separating apparatus is simpleand inexpensive to construct and operate, requiring a minimum of manual attention.

More specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide separating apparatus which may be interposed without diificulty in an existing flume, the apparatus comprising essentially a peripherally apertured rotating member so disposed that the lowermost section thereof passes below the flow line of the flume, the member being formed to provide pockets for receiving and elevating rocks and stones upwardly and discharging the same laterally, in combination with further means eifective to withdraw sand from the moving stream of water and to supply substantially clear water to a pump which forces the Water upwardly through the pockets, therein preventing the collection of the beets in the pockets while permitting the stones to settle therein. In the preferred form of the invention, the rotating element includes two portions, the first portionbeing provided with the pockets for the reception of stones and the second portion being of smaller diameter and comprising simply a perforated cylindrical drum through which sand and water can be withdrawn from the moving stream. Suitable baflles. are interposedbetween this drum and the inlet of the pump to facilitate separation of the sand and thus to prevent damage to the pump. On leaving this rotating member the moving stream of water is preferably passed through further apertured members which need not rotate but which are constructed to complete the withdrawal of sand from the moving stream and to insure an adequate supply of water to the pump. Suitable means are provided for regulating the quantity of water delivered by the pump so as to control the velocity of water flowing upwardly through the stone receiving pockets, to prevent settling of the beets therein,

Further objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an end elevation of one form of apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles Of the invention,

Figure 2 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 2,

A Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the structure shown in Figure 3,

Figure 5 is a similar sectional view taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 2,

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the lower portion of the structure shown in Figure 2,

Figure 7 is a transverse section on the line 1-1 of Figure 2; and 1 Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view in perspective of the more important elements of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 6.

In order to facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made herein to the embodiment thereof illustrated in the drawings and specific language is employed to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the invention is thereby intended, and that various other modifications and alterations of the illustrated and described arrangements are contemplated such as embody the principles of the invention and fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

As explained hereinbefore, the instant invention is particularly applicable to the separation of foreign solid matter such as stones, rocks, sand and gravel from a suspension in water of sugar beets, and while certain features of the invention'possess utility in other fields, the invention can best be illustrated and described by reference to its use in the sugar industryas indicated; and

the apparatus is shown in its preferred position in a hydraulic flume by means of which the beets are conveyed to the sugar mill.

Thus it will be observed from Figure 2 that the flume I is interrupted intermediate its length, and there is installed an enlarged pit I I, defined by walls 12 of concrete or the like, affording communication between the adjacent ends of the flume and providing space to accommodate the separating apparatus. The uspension liquid, ordinarily water, normally flows along the flume in the direction of the arrows A of Figure 2 and is thus caused to flow in a stream through the apparatus in the same direction.

The means for separating rocks and stones consists essentially of an annular drum l5 having. an apertured cylindrical periphery which may be constituted by a plurality of axially directed circumferentially spaced bars I7, forming a grid,

these bars extending between and being rigidly secured to annular end plates l8 and [9. The annular drum I5 is further provided with a plurality of generally radial plates 28 extending axially between the end plates l8 and I9 and forming therewith a series of inwardly directed pockets 2|, as is apparent from Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings.

A second annular drum 24 is provided, drum 24 being rigidly secured to and rotating coaxially with the drum l5. This second drum is also provided with an apertured peripheral portion, for example screen mesh 25; the apertures provided therein may be considerably smaller than the apertures afforded between the grid bars I! of the drum l5. The screen 25 is of less diameter than the grid formed by bars I! and the lowermost section thereof preferably passes at the flow line of the flume l0. Axiall'y. directed elements 21 extending between the annular end plates l9 and 28, support the screen 25; the annular plates I8, l9 and 28 arerigidly secured together by bolts 30 having spacing sleeves thereon to properly position plate I9.

The rigid unit just described, comprising drums I 5 and 24, is supported for rotation on flanged rollers 32 mounted on an idler shaft 33, the rollers 32 engaging annular tracks 35 carried by the annular end plates l8 and 28, so that the unit is free to rotate on the common axis of the two drums. Rotation, preferably continuous, is imparted by gearing, which includes ring gears 38 secured to the end plates l8 and 28, these ring gears meshing with pinions 39 secured to shaft 40. Shaft 40 is in turn rotated by worm gearing 42 and bevel gearing 43 from a drive shaft 46 carrying a pulley 41 which is operable from any source of motive power.

It will be observed that the pockets 20 provided internally f the first drum I 5 pass below the flow line or bottom line of the flume [0, .so that rocks and stones moving down the fiume may fall inthese pockets and be carried upwardly by the rotation of the drum. Rocks and stones so collected are discharged by gravity as the pockets reach their uppermost position, but are retained in the pockets at'intermediate positions by means forming a shroud in the interior of the pockets and consisting essentially of plates 5| curved to definecylindrical segments, joined at their end elements to vertical plates 52, the plates 5| being suitably apertured to permit the flanged rollers 32 to project therethrough. It will be noted that the plates 52 form in effect a continuation of the flume walls, the stream of liquid passing between these walls at 53. Plates 55 defining cylindrical segments embrace the drum 25 to form an outer shroud, the plates 55 being united along their lower edges to generally vertical plates 51 disposed immediately beneath the plates 52 and forming with the lateral partitions 59 a series of pockets 62, 63, and 64 in which sand may collect as hereinafter more fully described. Inclined deflecting plates 68 extend between the plates 52 at the upper ends of the latter and are disposed within and beneath the uppermost portions of the drums l5 and 24 and serve to deflect axially or laterally foreign solid material discharged from the pockets in the drum [5 or from the screen mesh 25 as these elements pass through the uppermost portion, a tray 85 being provided to receive the stones.

. A perforated pipe 1|] is disposed above and extends axially of the two drums, and water under pressure is supplied to the pipe to wash the perforated peripheral portions of the drums to prevent clogging of the perforations, the material thus removed falling on the plates 68 and being deflected laterally.

Turning now to Figures 1, 6 and 7, it will be observed that a pump 15 having an inlet 16 and driven by a motor 18 is disposed within the pit H near the downstream wall thereof, this pump serving to withdraw liquid from the flowing stream as shown by the arrows in Figure 7 and through the perforations in the screen 25 of the drum 24, these perforations being sufliciently large to permit the withdrawal, along with the water, of sand and gravel which may be entrained therein. The water thus withdrawn flows over the lateral partitions 59 which serve as baffles to promote the settling of the solid particles, the relatively slower movement of the liquid at this and subsequent points also facilitating the depositing of these particles. As indicated by the arrows in the drawings the withdrawn water passes downwardly in the pit H and is drawn into theinlet 16- of the pump 15, being discharged laterally through valve in conduit 8| to a port 82 in the sand pocket 62 which lies immediately beneath the drum l5. From the sand pocket 62 the pump water is directed upwardly through the grid bars I! and thus is returned to the passage 53 which, as hereinbefore explained, affords a continuation of the flume. By regulating the valve 80, the velocity at which water is discharged upwardly through the perforated peripheral portion of the drum I5 may be so adjusted that the beets, which are substantially lighter than the stones or rocks, are prevented from settling or collecting in the drum pockets 2 I, so that only the stones and rocks are elevated and discharged. Usually the velocity of the returned water is such that no considerable amount of sand will pass downwardly through the grids of the drum IE, but such sand and gravel as does settle at this point is collected in the sand pocket 62. Further and more complete withdrawal of sand is effected by the withdrawal of water through the peripheral portion of the drum 24 as hereinbefore explained.

The pockets 62, 63, and 64 are preferably provided with openings 66 communicating with chamber 12 in the lower portion of the pit I I, and a similar opening 13 i provided in the partition wall 14 which separates this portion of the pit from the remainder. Closure members 84 are associated with these openings, means being provided whereby the closure members may be periodically and automatically opened to permit sand from the sand pockets and from the remainder of the pit to discharge into the chamber 72, from whence it is removed by mean of a duit 81, the pump The closure members 84 may be operated in any pump 85 having an inlet 86 and a discharge con 85 being driven by motor 89.

desired manner. As shown in'the drawings, each closure member is pivoted to swing outwardly and upwardly, and is operated by a weighted toggle 89 to which is connected a link 9|, each link being periodically raised to open the associated closure member by a cam device driven from the drive shaft 46 from which the drum l and 10 24 are operated, whereby the closure members may be opened to discharge the sand in timed re"- lation with the'operation of the drums. Under some circumstances it may be desirable to withdraw further liquid from the moving stream, either for the purpose of clarifying the liquid or in order to provide a sufficient quantity of liquid for use in impeding the settling of beets 'in the stone pockets 2 l of the drum 15. For this purpose it is preferred to employ, as shown more particularly in Figures ,7 and 8, a member which forms an extension of the downstream part of the fiume into which the stream of liquid is directed on leaving the second drum 24. This member is in the form of a trough having at its lower side a 7 plurality of longitudinally extending fingers 94 which extend in the direction of the stream and are laterally spaced to an extent sufficient to permit sand and gravel to fall downwardly therethrough into the sand pocket 64, the water be- 5.

ing withdrawn from the stream between the fingers 94 as the result of the circulation induced by the water pump as hereinbefore described. In order that the solid material may not tend to accumulate on the fingers 94, the downstream i33 ends of these fingers terminate short of the adjacent end of the flume, as indicated in Figure '7, so that solid material which fails to pass through the fingers will be carried along by the movement of the liquid and discharged over the ends of the -'40 fingers. A portion of the side walls of this member may be formed of wire mesh or otherwise perforated as indicated at 95 so as to afford a further area through which sand and water may be withdrawn by the pump. The water leaving the apparatus is thus substantially free from solid foreign material.

It is obvious that many features hereinbefore described may be omitted, if desired, for the sake of simplicity, and modifications of the structure "51 chosen for the purpose of illustration will readily appear to one skilled in the art. For example, while it is preferred that the stone removing portion of the rotating member precede that portion of less diameter through which the sand is withdrawn, it may sometimes be desirable to reverse this arrangement. The drum 24 or the stationary housing into which it discharges, or both, may be omitted, together with their functions,

and at the sacrifice of considerable efficiency, and

the same comment may be made with respect to the withdrawal of water from the moving stream, it being possible to utilize a separate source of supply of water to prevent settling of the stones in the pockets of the drum l5. Reference herein to stones is intended to exemplify various solid and relatively heavy materials and bodieswhich may be separated from lighter material in suspension by the equipment herein described and claimed. Many of the details of the structure illustrated herein may obviously vary widely without adversely affecting the efiiciency of the apparatus and without sacrifice of the essential features of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In apparatus for separating stones and sand from beets in the manufacture of sugar in which a hydraulic flume is employed for conveying beets to washing and cutting machines, the combination with an annular member, of means for supporting said member for rotation on an axis extending generally longitudinally of the flume, said member having a first portion so dimensioned and positioned that the lowermost section thereof passes below the flow line of the flume while the uppermost section thereof passes above the level of water in the flume, and asecond portion coaxial with said first portion and so dimensioned and positioned that the lowermost section thereof passes substantially at the flow line of the flume, said member being interposed in the length of the flume, whereby the water in the fium'e is caused to fiow in succession through the said portions of said member, said first portion of said member being formed peripherally to provide pockets at its inner side for the reception of stones, whereby on rotation of said'member the stones are elevated to a position above the flume said member, the peripheral parts of 'both portions of said member being provided peripherally with apertures so dimensioned as to permit the passage of water and sand therethrough while restricting discharge of stones and beets therethrough, and means including a pump for withdrawing water from the apertured peripheral part of said second portion of said member and discharging such water upwardly through the apertured peripheral'part of said first portion with sufficient velocity to prevent beets from settling in said pocketswhile permitting the settling of stones therein.

2. In apparatus for separating stones and sand from beets in the manufacture of sugar in which a hydraulic flume is employed for conveying beets towashing and cutting machines, the combination with an annular member, of means for supporting said member for rotation on an axis extending generally longitudinally of the flume, said member having a'first portion so dimensioned and positioned that the lowermost section thereof passes below the flow line of the flume while the uppermost section thereof passes above the level of water in the flume, and a second portion coaxial with said first portion and so dimensioned and positioned that the lowermost section there'- of passes substantially at the flow line of the flume, said member being interposed in the length ofthe flume, whereby the water in th flume is caused to flow in succession through the said portions of said member, said first portion of said member being formed peripherally to provide pockets at its inner side for the reception of stones, whereby on rotation of said member the stones are elevated to a position above the flume and discharged from the pockets by gravity, means deflecting the discharged stones away from said member, the peripheral parts of both portions of said member being provided peripherally with apertures so'dimensioned as to permit the passage of .water and sand therethrough while restricting discharge of stones and beets therethrough, and means including a pump for withdrawing water from the apertured peripheral part of said second portion of said member and discharging such water upwardly throughthe apertured peripheral part of said first portion with sufiicient velocity to prevent beets from settling in said pockets while permitting the settling of stones therein, said last named means including bafiie means positioned and arranged intermediate said second portion of said member and said pump to facilitate separation of sand from the water supplied to said pump.

3. In apparatus for separating stones and sand from beets in the manufacture of sugar in which a hydraulic fiume is employed for conveying beets to Washing and cutting machines, the combination with an annular member, of means for supporting said member for rotation on an axis extending generally longitudinally of the fiume, said member having a first portion so dimensioned and positioned that the lowermost section thereof passes below the flow line of the fiume while the uppermost section thereof passes above the level of water in the fiume, and a second portion coaxial with said first portion and so dimensioned and positioned that the lowermost section thereof passes substantially 'at the flow line of the fiume, said member being interposed in the length of the fiume, whereby the water in the fiume is caused to flow in succession through the said portions of said membensaid first portion of said member being formed peripherally to provide pockets at its inner side for the reception of stones, whereby on rotation of said member the stones are elevated to a. position above the fiume and discharged from the pockets by gravity, stationary means forming a shroud for said pockets to prevent discharge of stones during elevation thereof to said position, means deflecting the discharged stones away from said member, ,the peripheral parts of both portions of said member being provided peripherally with apertures so dimensioned as to permit the passage of water and sand therethrough while restricting discharge of stones therethrough, and means including a pump for withdrawing Water from the apertured peripheral part of said second portion of said member and discharging such water upwardly through the apertured periphera1 part of said first portion with sufiicient velocity to prevent beets from settling in said pockets while permitting thesettling of stones therein.

4. In apparatus for separating stones and sand from beets in the manufacture of sugar in which a hydraulic fiume is employed for conveying beets to washing and cutting machines, the combination with an annular member, of means for supporting said member for rotation on an axis extending generally longitudinally of the fiume, said member having a first portion so dimensioned and positioned that the lowermost section thereof passes below the flow line of the fiume while the uppermost section thereof passes above the level of water in the fiume, and a second portion coaxial with said first portion and so dimensioned and positioned that the lowermost section thereof passes substantially at the flow line of the fiume, said member being interposed in the length of the fiume, whereby the water in the fiume is caused to flow in succession through the said portions of said member, said first portion of said member being formed peripherally to provide pockets at its inner side for the reception of stones, whereby on rotation of said member the stones are elevated to a position above the fiume and discharged from the pockets by gravity, stationary means forming a shroud for said pockets to prevent discharge of stones during elevation thereof to said position, means deflecting the discharged stones away from said member, the

peripheral parts of both portions of said member being provided peripherally with apertures so dimensioned as to permit the passage of water and sand therethrough whilerestricting discharge of stones therethrough, and means including a pump for withdrawing water from the apertured peripheral part of said second portion of said member and discharging such water upwardly through .the apertured peripheral part of said first portion with sufiicient velocity to prevent beets from settling in said pockets while permitting the settling of stones therein, and means disposed above the said second portion of said member for discharging water downwardly through the uppermost section thereof to prevent clogging of the apertures therein.

5; In apparatus for separating stones and sand from beets in the manufacture of sugar in which a hydraulic fiume is employed for conveying beets to washing and cutting machines, the combination with an annular member, of means for supporting said member for rotation on an axis extending generall longitudinally of the fiume, said member being so dimensioned and positioned that the lowermost section thereof passes below the flow line of the fiume while the uppermost section thereof passes above the level 'of water in the fiume, said member being interposed in the length of the fiume, whereby the water in the fiume is caused to flow through said member, said member being formed peripherally to provide pockets at its inner side for the reception of stones, whereby on rotation of said member the stones are elevated to a position above the fiume and, discharged from the pockets b gravity, stationary means forming a shroud for said pockets to prevent discharge of stones during elevation thereof to said position, means deflecting the discharged stones away from said member, said 411 member being provided peripherally with apertures so dimensioned as to permit the passage of water and sand therethrough while restricting discharge of stones therethrough, and means including a pump for discharging water upwardly through the lowermost section of the apertured peripheral part of said member and said pockets with sufficient velocit to prevent beets from settling in said pockets while permitting the settling of stones therein.

6. In apparatus for separating stones and sand from beets in the manufacture of sugar in which a hydraulic fiume is employed for conveying beets to washing and cutting machines, the combination with an annular member, of means for supporting said member for rotation on an axis extending generally longitudinally of the fiume, said member being so dimensioned and positioned that the lowermost section thereof passes below the flow line of the fiume while the uppermost section thereof passes above the level of water in the fiume, said member being interposed in the length of the fiume, whereby the water in the fiume is caused to flow through said member, said member being formed peripherally to provide pockets at its inner side for the reception of stones, whereby on rotation of said member the stones are elevated to a position above the fiume and discharged from the pockets by gravity, stationary means forminga shroud for said pockets to prevent discharge of stones during elevation thereof to said position, means deflecting the discharged stones away from said member, said memberbeing provided peripherally with apertures so dimensioned as to permit the passage of water and sand therethrough while restricting discharge of stones therethrough, and means including a pump for discharging water upwardly through the lowermost section of the apertured peripheral part of said member and said pockets with suificient velocity tling in said pockets while permitting the settling of stones therein, and valve means associated with said last named means for regulating the velocity of the upwardly discharged water.

'7. In apparatus for separating stones and sand from beets in the manufacture of sugar in which a hydraulic flume is employed for conveying beets to washing and cutting machines, the combination with an annular member, of means for supporting said member for rotation on an axis extending generally longitudinally of the flume, said member having a first portion so dimensioned and positioned that the lowermost section thereof passes below the flow line of the flume while the uppermost section thereof passes above the level of water in the flume, and a second portion coaxial with said first portion and so dimensioned and positioned that the lowermost section thereof passes substantially at the flow line of the flume, said member being interposed in the length of the flume, whereby the water in the fiume is caused to flow in a stream in succession through the said portions of said member, said first portion of said member being formed peripherally to provide pockets at its inner side for the reception of stones, whereby on rotation of said member the stones areelevated to a position above the flume and discharged from the pockets by gravity, means deflecting the discharged stones awa from said member, the peripheral parts of both portions of said member being provided peripherally with apertures so dimensioned as to permit the passage of water and sand therethrough while restricting discharge of stones therethrough, means including a pump for withdrawing water from the apertured peripheral part of said second portion and discharging such water upwardly through the apertured pe ripheral part of said first portion with suflicient velocity to prevent beets from settling in said pockets while permitting the settling of stones therein, stationary apertured means affording a continuation of said member for completing the removal of sand from the stream, and means conveying water withdrawn from said stationary apertured means to the inlet side of said pump to facilitate removal of sand and to ensure an adequate supply of water to said pump.

8. In apparatus for removing stones from a suspension of lighter solids in a liquid, the combination with a cylindrical drum having an apertured peripheral wall, said wall being formed to provide pockets at its inner side affording receptacles for stones, means supporting the drum for rotation on a generally horizontal axis, means causing the liquid to flow in a stream axially of and within said drum and over the lowermost pockets, means for directing a flow of liquid upward through the lowermost peripheral portion of said drum and through the associated pockets with a Velocity suflicient to prevent the lighter solids from settling in the pockets while permitting the settling therein of stones, means for rotating said drum, whereby the pocketed stones are conveyed upwardly,

drum and beneath the uppermost portion therei of for deflecting axially the stones discharged by gravity from said pockets.

9. In apparatus for removing stones and sand from a suspension of lighter solids in a liquid,

to prevent beets from setand means within said the combination with a cylindrical drum having an apertured peripheral wall, said wall being formed to provide pockets at its inner side affording receptacles for stones, means supporting the drum for rotation on a generally horizontal axis, means causing the liquid to flow in a stream axially of and within said drum and over the lowermost pockets, means for withdrawing a portion of the liquid from said stream and directing the same upward through the lowermost peripheral portion of said drum and through the associated pockets with a velocity suflicient to prevent the lighter solids from settling in the pockets while permitting the settling therein of stones, means for rotating said drum, whereby the pocketed stones are conveyed upwardly, and means within said drum and beneath the uppermost portion thereof for deflecting axially the stones discharged by gravity from said pockets.

10. In apparatus for removing stones and sand from a suspension of lighter solids in a liquid, the combination with a cylindrical drum having an apertured peripheral wall, said wall being formed to provide pockets at its inner side affording receptacles for stones, means supporting the drum for rotation on a generally horizontal axis, means causing the liquid to flow in a stream axially of and within-said drum and over the lowermost pockets, means for Withdrawing a portion of the liquid from said stream and directing the same upward through the lowermost peripheral portion of said drum and through the associated pockets with a velocity sufficient to prevent the lighter solids from settling in the pockets while permitting the settling therein of stones, said last named means including a pump, and baflles disposed intermediate said stream and pump for effecting separation of sand from the liquid supplied to the pump, means for rotating said drum, whereby the pocketed stones are conveyed upwardly, and means within said drum and beneath the uppermost portion thereof for deflecting axially the stones discharged by gravity from said pockets.

11. In apparatus for removing stones from a suspension of lighter solids in a liquid, the combination with a cylindrical drum having an apertured peripheral wall, said wall being formed to provide pockets at its inner side afforing receptacles for stones, means supporting the drum for rotation on its axis, means causing the liquid to flow in a stream axially of and within said drum and over the lowermost pockets, a second cylindrical drum having an apertured peripheral wall, said second drum being rotatably supported coaxially with said first drum and aifording a continuation thereof for directing the stream of liquid, means for withdrawing liquid and sand through the apertures in the second drum, removing the sand therefrom, and directing the liqquid upward through the lowermost peripheral portion of said first drum and through the associated pockets with a velocity sufficient to prevent the lighter solids from settling in the pockets while permitting the settling therein of stones, means for rotating said drums, whereby the pocketed stones are conveyed upwardly, and means within said first drum and beneath the uppermost portion thereof for deflecting axially the stones discharged by gravity from said Dockets.

12. In apparatus for removing stones from a suspension of lighter solids in a liquid, the coinbination with a cylindrical drum having an apertured peripheral wall, said wall being formed to provide pockets at its inner side affording receptacles for stories, means sup titmg the drum for rotation on its axis, means causing the liquid to flow in a stream axially of and Within said drum and over the lowermost pockets, a second cylindric'al drum having an apertured peripheral wall; said second drum being rotatably supported coaxially with said first drum and affording a continuation thereof for directing the stream of liquid, means for withdrawing liquid and sand through the apertures in the second drummemoving the sand therefrom, and directing the liquid upward through the lowermost peripheral portio'n'of' 'said first drum and through the associated pockets with a velocity sufficient to prevent the lighter solids from settling in the book'- ets while permitting the settling therein of stones, means for rotating said drums, whereby the pocketed stones are conveyed upwardly and means within said first drum and beneath the upper- Irid'st portion therof for deflecting axial-1y the stones discharged by gravity from said pockets, and means for discharging liquid throughjthuppermost sections of said-drums to prevent clogging of the perforations therein. a

13. In apparatus for removing stones from a 'for withdrawing liquid and sand portion of said ciated pockets with a Velocity sufficient to prevht through the apertures in the second drum re moving the sand therefrom, and directing the liquid up'ward through the low rmost peripheral first drum and through the ass? the li'glier solids from settling in the pockets while permitting the settlin therein of stones, means for rotating said d-r'uinsg whereby the pocketed stones are conveyed 'u'pvvaidly and means within said first drum andbeneath the uppermost portion thereof for deflecting axially the Stones discharged by gravity from said peekets, stationary ap'e'rtu'red guide means for said liquid stream for'mihg a continuation or said drums, and means whereby a part or the liquid directed upwardly through said pockets is withdrawn through the apertures in s'aid guide meat-1's.

14. In apparatus for removing stones from a suspension of lighter solids in a liquid moving through a hydraulic fiume, the combination with adjacent flume sections, of means affording a chamber interposed between and communicating with said flunie sections, an apertured conveyor, said conveyor being formed to provide affording receptacles for ls'tohes and being est tioned to pass transversely under the flow lineof the flun'ie, means 'for directing a flow of liquid within said chamber upward through the conveyor and through the pockets with a velocity sufii'cient to prevent the lighter solids from settling in the pockets while permitting the settling therein of stones, and means driving the cam veyor to efiect removal of the stones laterally or said upward flow of liquid and laterally of the direction of movement of liquid through said fiume. k

I AVERY A. CLARK.

HARRY W. HGOPER. 

